WASHINGTON — A judge has declared Charles Severance, the man charged with the murders of three Alexandria residents, mentally competent to stand trial.

Now his defense attorneys have requested that the trial take place outside of Alexandria.

Special Judge Jane Roush issued her ruling on Severance’s competency Monday. Roush was appointed to oversee the case because Alexandria’s judges recused themselves.

Severance’s attorneys and the Alexandria prosecutor’s office declined to comment to WTOP.

Severance is charged with murdering Ruthanne Lodato and Ron Kirby as well as the 2003 killing of Nancy Dunning.

WTOP’s Megan Cloherty contributed to this report.